In vitro antitumor efficacy of atorvastatin against acute monocytic leukemia cells

Abstract

Chemotherapy is a potential setting for the treatment of acute monocytic leukaemia (AML). It has recently been demonstrated that  statins (hydroxymethyl glutaryl CoA reductase inhibitors) are involved in some antitumor pathways against tumour cells to overcome  side effects and increase the efficacy of chemotherapy. The present study was designed to address the molecular and biochemical effects  of atorvastatin (ATOR) therapy against the human leukaemia monocytic THP-1 cell line. By in vitro studies, MTT assay was  performed to determine the IC₅₀ levels of ATOR against the THP-1 cell line. Also, apoptosis and cell cycle were determined after exposure  of THP-1 cells to an IC₅₀ dose of ATOR versus the non-treated THP-1 cells. Flow cytometry analysis showed apoptotic-inducing  capacity and arrested the cell cycle in the G2/M phase after the treatment with ATOR. In conclusion, ATOR increases the percentages of  apoptotic leukemic THP-1 cells and arrested their cell cycle.